Trust's HIV record hailed as national plan launched

NEWCASTLE "HIV confident" scheme has been hailed by the Government as part of a new UK plan to stop new cases by 2030.

- SAM VOLPE

Westminster has launched a five-year action plan and cited the work in Newcastle as “promising practice” that should be copied elsewhere.

This time last year, the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust became the only hospital trust outside London to formally sign up to be an 'HIV Confident' organisation. This scheme, set up by the National AIDS Trust, aidsmap and Positively UK organisations, aims to eradicate stigma around the condition and raise knowledge and awareness.

On World AIDS Day last week, the Government launched its new plan which aims to tackle stigma, increase testing and ensure everyone who needs treatment get it.